Word Squared, a program which pairs an esteemed University professor with a Sweetland faculty member for a conversation about writing, is featuring Phoebe Gloeckner! Phoebe is an Associate Professor in the Stamps School of Art and Design at the University of Michigan, where she teaches courses in comic arts and interactive books. She has written, drawn, and illustrated a variety of books, one of which was recently adapted into a feature film that premiered at Sundance this past January. We hope to see you there!

Hi, I'm Karl, the general manager of CBN. Thanks for reading. Our annual fundraiser, where we receive the vast majority of our operating budget for the year, is Feb. 6-15th!

Lots of things are getting better at algorithmically figuring out our tastes for us, which is, I don't know, kinda cool I guess, but I think there is something invaluable about a resource that's messy, unpredictable, and unusually enjoyable.

We're all volunteers at CBN, and we do it because we are obsessed with music and authentic thought. Really obsessed. We exist for you; from our 30-year veterans you know and love to our wide-eyed new DJs who can't believe what 70,000 vinyl records look like on shelves.

Please dig deep to keep us running. We cannot exist without your support. Our sights are set high this year: $50,000. We have to make it happen, and we are counting on you! This is about 10% higher than last year - so give 20% more! There are extremely easy ways to donate, but I want to suggest calling us. Online is easy and great, but WCBN is about connections deeper than a passive listening experience, and we want to hear what you like! (and don't like). Plus we can advise you on the coolest T-shirts and stuff.

Thank you for any and all generosity you can show us during fundraiser. From a personal standpoint, WCBN is one of the most important things in my life, and I invite you to join me in making a proud decision to donate to a crucial community institution.

Calling all artists among our listenership - are you tired of your doodles being confined to your notebooks? WCBN is looking for adventuresome single-color t shirt designs for our upcoming Fundraiser! We are taking submissions from our listeners, so you may see your creations upon the torsos of proud WCBNers worldwide! Plus, if your design is selected, we'll give you all the credit and you'll be sent a free shirt with your design!

Selections must be entered in PDF or PNG format by Monday, January 5, 2015 to dd@wcbn.org. Good luck - and may your pen guide you to glory!

Primus has been something of an obsession of mine for the past few months. You can guess that Les Claypool has had a rather expansive playlist, from funk to hard rock and metal to bluegrass - hell, when I saw Primus live, they had Spike Jones blaring between sets. Yet, Primus’s music doesn’t sound like the sum of its parts, and in that way it’s completely unique. Plus, Claypool’s goofiness and dark sense of humor are an integral part of his music - it’s a kind of warped, absurdist sincerity previously popularized by early Talking Heads. But the style of disillusionment and cynicism belongs squarely in the 90s - somehow, it makes perfect sense that Primus and The Ren and Stimpy Show co-existed. (Let’s not forget Claypool’s role in South Park, after all.) What "Mr Krinkle" is actually about, if anything, is up for debate, but it communicates that trend of dealing with frustration through wittiness.

What's next?

Training sessions are held every Sunday at 4pm in our lobby. Go to the Thompson Street entrance of the Student Activities Building (515 Jefferson). Call 763-3500 and we'll buzz you in.Email training@wcbn.org for more information.